MONTREAL

Alouettes president Ray Lalonde announces he's leaving CFL team

The Canadian Press Published Friday, May 11, 2012 4:11PM EDT

Montreal Alouettes new president Ray Lalonde speaks to the media at a news conference on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 in Montreal. Lalonde, who was formerly vice-president of marketing for the Montreal Canadiens, has an extensive background in sports management and replaces Larry Smith, who left the team in November to enter politics.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

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Montreal Alouettes president Ray Lalonde is leaving the organization for personal reasons, the CFL team announced Friday.

Lalonde joined the Alouettes in March 2011 and implemented a new commercial strategy in time for last season.

"Getting the chance to work in football again is something I truly enjoyed,'' Lalonde said in a statement. "The pieces are in place for a successful season both on and off the field and I wish the team the best as they look to win the Grey Cup in 2012.''

During his time with the Alouettes, Lalonde bolstered the team's presence in the community and also shored up and modernized its business units.

"Ray brought a vision and implemented a structure that were necessary for us as an organization,'' owner Bob Wetenhall said. "His passion and dedication went into everything he did since coming on board.''